ATEX

What is the ATEX directive, how should you apply it, and what can Process Engineering A/S offer you? On this page we aim to inform you about the ATEX directive.

ATEX is the set of rules that apply to equipment used in explosive atmospheres and to workers who are potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. The ATEX requirements for equipment are detailed in directive 2014/34/EU and the ATEX requirements for workplaces are detailed in directive 99/92/EC.

Both directives are colloquially known as the ATEX directive, even though it is actually two separate directives. We often separate the two by referring to them as the ATEX equipment directive and the ATEX workplace directive. The ATEX equipment directive is a product directive whose purpose is to ensure free trade for relevant electrical as well as mechanical products in the common market. These rules are consistent within all EU countries in the sense that individual countries are not allowed to deviate from these regulations. Products which comply with the ATEX directive can be CE marked and must also have additional marking as prescribed by the directive and the harmonised standards.

The ATEX workplace directive’s purpose is to secure workers’ safety from the consequences of an explosion by preventing that an explosion occurs at all. The workplace directive applies everywhere within the EU. Unlike the equipment directive, it consists of a set of minimum standards to which individual countries can add national legislation that is more restrictive.

Where does ATEX apply?

Anyone who manufactures machinery or equipment to be used in explosive atmospheres or machinery which itself contains explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX directive 94/9/EC, and, if relevant, the equipment must also comply with the explosion protection requirements listed in the Machinery Directive. ATEX applies to explosive atmospheres consisting of a mix of air and explosive gases or mists, a mix of air and dust or of both explosive gases and dust.

With few exceptions ATEX is applicable to all commercial environments within industries on land as well as on permanent offshore installations and in the mineral extraction industry on land or underground. We can help you comply with the directives.

See an example of an ATEX-related accident

Our services within ATEX

Process Engineering offers certification and CE marking of equipment in accordance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. Thus we handle communication with notified bodies and other authorities on behalf of our clients. In relation to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, we offer to prepare your explosion protection documentation.

We have carried out a multitude of tasks within this field. Even if you have decided on handling ATEX-related projects internally and build a knowledge base on your own, we are pleased to be a sounding board for you and offer to assist your employees during their initial projects. If you do not wish to spend the resources to build internal knowledge of ATEX, we are more than happy to handle all aspects of this for you.

We offer general advice about the directives, analyses, risk evaluation in relation to 2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC, composition of user manuals and directions, assistance with technical files, classification of hazardous areas, composition of explosion protection documentation (in particular Health & Safety risk assessment) and marking of areas and facilities.

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